What is it about walking through bumpy tracks amidst mountainous terrain with the sole motive of reaching a distant point and returning? What is it about the sight of wildflowers blossoming besides dry rocks that cannot be replicated in a park inside an urban jungle of concrete? Why do people take all the time and effort to walk across uneven terrains for 5 to 6 hours a day with a backpack on their shoulders only to find rest inside a tent without an electricity or a comfortable mattress?
There cannot be an answer to everything. Nature perhaps rejoices in this knowledge that it cannot be understood even with the most sophisticated of answers. For nature was never meant to be reasoned with or calculated upon. She simply reflects us in a manner wherein we do not receive or inherit answers but reason them with our own beliefs. This is the experience that fuels countless hearts all over the globe to set out into valleys and mountains and return with a fulfilled heart that belies all hardships met on the journey.
Countless journeys are waiting for us at every nook and corner. But a journey into the heart of nature requires one to plan over the destination and know what to expect as the forces of nature greet us.
Hampta Pass Trek, Himachal Pradesh
Duration - 5 Days
Grade - Easy to Moderate
Max Altitude - 14100 Ft.
Approx Trekking Km - 26 KMs
A destination for all seasons and all reasons. The Hampta Pass trek is a 26 km long trek that stretches from the gorgeous lush green Kullu-Manali valley to the barren landscapes of Spiti,
making this trek suitable for beginners as well as seasoned veterans. The most fascinating aspect of this trek is that the journey accommodates different types of terrains including lush green valleys, streams, meadows, arid land, as well snow-covered slopes, so one can have a wholesome and memorable experience.
At one moment you will find yourself walking next to beautiful wildflower meadows, trees of maple, oak, and deodar that shade against the mild sun, and at the other, you will be walking next to gurgling streams and rocky paths. On one side you will see lush green valleys and a cold arid valley right next to it and at yet another point you will be greeted by steep ascents and blissful white snow.
The trek provides a surreal view of the great mountains of Indraasan, Deo Tibba, and Indrakila that is simply captivating and serene. If one is lucky and the weather conditions are suitable, trekkers can even visit the magnificent Chandrataal, the emerald crescent-shaped lake also known as the ‘Lake of the Moon.’ The surreal lake changes color at different points of the day and is a sight to behold.
Day 1 - A gentle ascent
The trek spans 5 days with the first day of the trek beginning from Jobra, Manali at a gentle ascent of 6,550ft. Lush green valleys, alpine forests, and streams greet the trekkers. An average of 5 to 6kms is traveled each day. The trail is accompanied by icy-cold streams and waterfalls that need to be crossed at several intersections.
Day 2 - Step into the white heavens
The second day of the trek crosses Balu ka Ghera campsite at an elevation of 11,900ft from where the snowy landscape and magnificent peaks of the Hampta Pass are introduced. The sight of the green landscape being slowly enveloped by a white blanket is breathtaking. The doors of the white heavens welcome the trekkers henceforth.
Day 3 - Ascent to Cloud 9
The third day of the trek takes you across the panoramic landscape of the Lahul and Spiti Valley from where the highest point of the trek, the Hampta pass at an altitude of 14,100ft is trailed. You will know that you have made it when the grandeur of the Indrasaan peak touches your vision and soothes your tired body. And as if you have just descended from heaven, you will be greeted by the local shepherds and their herd as you trail downhill. The campsite will be held at Shea Goru where the coldest night of the trek will be wrestled by bowls of hot meals and the warm company of fellow trekkers.
Day 4 - Behold the Crescent Moon!
The fourth day begins early from Shea Goru as the 7km long trail to Chatru at an elevation of 11,000ft is descended. The trail will be greeted by the icy cold Chandra river and glaciers that need to be crossed. The trail to Chatru opens the prospect of entering the vicinity of the emerald crescent-shaped lake of Chandrataal. The sight of the lake as it changes its hue to a celestial dance while reflecting the white mountains in its water is like witnessing a childhood dream - only that this time, it is real and you are awake at the moment
Day 5 - A promise to visit the mountains again
A four-to-six-hour offroad ride back to Manali will make you reminisce about every moment that you spent in this serene environment. You`ll look back at the changing terrain and be amazed thinking that you just spent your past days amidst the great white blanket of snow and mountains that have stood as testimony to time since its dim beginnings. There was something about this experience, and it has made you feel small and humble but at the same time, it has also left you amazed and hopeful. There is indeed something about this experience. And you have been touched by the graceful spirit of wanderlust.
So how do we go on this trip?
There are two popular seasons for this trek: Monsoon trek between July to August and
Autumn trek between September to November. The months of June and July are a great time to witness the snow while the autumn trek of August and September is a great time to rejoice in the lush green scenery. Also, one needs to be fit enough to cover a 4km distance in 30 minutes without stress and able to carry a 10 -15 kg backpack. There is also a provision for 10 and above aged children to go on this trek.
One can find a lot of travel booking sites on the internet that offer Hampta Pass Trek. Some of the popular sites are trekthehimalayas trekthehimalayas and thrillophillia thrillophillia. An average 5-day trek is charged at around 8,000 or 9,000 INR per adult with a twin-sharing camp.
The trek requires everyone to reach Manali. An overnight bus to Manali can be boarded from Delhi or Chandigarh. The nearest airports are at Chandigarh and Bhuntur, which are just a couple of hours away from Manali. The nearest railway station is 300km away at Pathankot.
What should one carry?
It is advisable to have a 50-60 ltr backpack with a rain cover, 2 bottles of water, preferably a thermos flask bottle, warm clothing for subzero temperature, and standard trekking gear.
Lack of oxygen is a common phenomenon that strangles first-timers as well as regular trekkers during a high-altitude ascent. This can cause trekkers to stop midway or call for emergency help. It is highly advisable to include the extremely lightweight O2 Himalaya Oxygen can in your first aid kit so that immediate oxygen can be administered. O2 Himalaya is a premium product manufactured under approved drug licenses and SOP. A 9-liter canister provides 150 1-second breaths while a 12-liter canister provides 350+ breaths. Our product can be bought at any major trekking store or through our website here.
So, with all the checkmarks ticked, you are ready to begin your tryst with trekking. As they say, everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occur while you are climbing it, we wish you the very best on your adventures ahead! Astalabistala.
